Amazon’s Edinburgh development centre to increase staff

Amazon is planning to expand its research and development centre in Edinburgh by taking on over 30 new employees.

The online retailer will be recruiting at least 35 managers, software engineers and scientists, who will join around 100 staff already working at the centre.

Strong position

The recruitment drive comes as part of plans to create 2,500 permanent jobs throughout the UK, which will bring the company’s total number of British employees to 14,500 by the end of 2016. The company has around 2,000 staff based at its centres in Scotland. 

Currently, the retailer has a research and development centre and customer service centres in Edinburgh, as well as distribution centres in Dunfermline and Gourock.

Edinburgh research and development centre Managing Director, Graeme Smith, described the job openings as being “like Silicon Valley jobs right here in Edinburgh.”

Smith stated that it is easier to recruit in the city than in other hubs globally, such as London or San Francisco, despite there being concerns over a shortage of skills in the sector.

“We are in a really strong position in Edinburgh right now,” he said. “I think what we are seeing is a rising tide that is lifting all boats.”

More security

Earlier this month, it was announced that Amazon has also created 400 jobs at its fulfilment centre in Peterborough.

The retailer has converted its seasonal roles into permanent jobs, bringing its number of permanent staff at the centre to over 1,200.

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, John Bridge, described the move as “really good news for the city as well as the people involved”, stating that it provides them with more security.